Motorsports FanHouse

Gordon, Logano Get Into Scuffle

FanHouse Newswire — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (AP) -- Robby Gordon says he's glad Joey Logano is OK after their run-ins at Watkins Glen International.

Both Cup regulars raced in Saturday's Nationwide race and had two run-ins late in the 82-lap event.

Gordon blew his right front tire after slamming Logano in the rear entering the first turn of the 2.45-mile track to bring out a caution. Gordon said Logano had knocked him sideways only moments earlier.

"I ran him down towards the inside wall on the front straight,'' Gordon said in an e-mail. "I tried to do a crossover move in turn 1 to get back by him. However, I misjudged a little, resulting in both of us getting flat tires.''

Not long after the restart, Gordon ran Logano off course into a tire barrier. Gordon said that crash, which ended Logano's day, happened when Logano tried to block him.

"Apparently, we got in a little grudge match after I cut down his tire,'' Logano said after visiting the care center. "It's a pretty raw deal. You can't fix stupid, it's forever. You put that in your memory bank.''

Gordon said it was just a matter of hard racing for the lucky dog position.

"We both had good cars and were just trying to improve our finishing position for the day,'' Gordon said. ``I felt he would be OK because he was in the section where the outer loop was. Rather than going down the inner loop, he decided to cut across the grass, hitting the tire barrier.

"This is a highly competitive sport, and we are all very passionate when we are on the track,'' Gordon said. "Tempers have a tendency to flare, but hopefully in the future we will both race each other cleaner.''

Gordon said he met with NASCAR officials Sunday morning and was told there would be no penalties.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

Gordon, Logano Get Into Scuffle originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 09 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gordon Readies for Waltrip's Retirement

Geoffrey Miller — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 22:37:00 EST

Filed under: Michael Waltrip, Robby Gordon, NASCAR Crashes, Sprint Cup

The NASCAR on FOX television crew tried to play it off as an accident, but Sprint Cup driver Robby Gordon was having none of it.

"I'm really looking forward to having a new driver in the [No.] 55 next year," said Gordon during his post-wreck interview, mad after Michael Waltrip bumped him into the Phoenix International Raceway turn three wall Saturday night in the Subway Fresh Fit 500.

No, Gordon doesn't have insider infomation about Waltrip's 2010 plans, but rather he was just citing comments that the driver/owner made at the beginning of the season.

During a preseason press conference, Waltrip noted that his personal performance in the No. 55 Toyota of his Michael Waltrip Racing entity had to improve significantly over what had been two straight seasons of mediocrity -- if that.

"My goal is to go win some races this year, run up front so that I don't have to say this is my last year. But if I don't do those things, if I can't compete at the level that Reutimann does or NAPA expects, then I probably won't get to do this again in 2010," said Waltrip

Apparently Robby doesn't think such circumstances will occur Waltrip in 2009, though his comments came at a time when the driver of the No. 7 was a little biased.

The incident happened on lap 167 when Gordon headed into turn 3 with Waltrip inside and the other Gordon -- Jeff, the version with four more Sprint Cup titles than Robby -- trailing close behind. Waltrip lost grip heading into the corner, slid up the track and knocked Robby's ride into a spin. The No. 7 rear-ended the wall with Waltrip getting a piece of the action on his right-rear quarter panel.

Robby headed for the garage for repair [and returned to the race many laps down] while Waltrip hit pit road.

While in the garage, FOX Sports' Steve Byrnes grabbed an interview, leading off by referring to the crash as a 'victim of circumstance'.

"Yeah it's a bummer," Robby said. "I don't know, we probably should have come for tires there. We were running 18th. I don't know what Michael was doing there but he just ran us over."

"Can you get back in the race?" Byrnes asked.

"Yeah, but getting back in the race is one thing, but to lose this many points for the second weekend in a row -- its just devastation," said Gordon. "Our speedway car is really not that fast so i'm really concerned about that. But I'm really looking forward to have a new driver in the 55 next year."

And with that, the interview was complete, Michael Waltrip dissed and Robby Gordon's dismal streak of finishes continued.

Gordon Readies for Waltrip's Retirement originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 18 Apr 2009 22:37:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NASCAR Continues Bud Shootout Mess

Geoffrey Miller — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 20:18:00 EST

Filed under: Bobby Labonte, Robby Gordon, Tony Stewart, Sprint Cup

NASCAR made a mockery of the Budweiser Shootout format back in August thanks to a conflict of sponsorship, and this week, an attempt to improve the race took another step back.

The August changes to the annual season-opening non-points race made eligibility requirements revolve around the previous season's manufacturer standings with the top six team from each car make earning a spot in the dash for cash. According to NASCAR, it was an attempt to give more exposure to the four car companies that compete in the Sprint Cup Series.

The result left Tony Stewart and other notable drivers ineligible for the Feb. 7 race and on Friday, NASCAR changed that.

Now, the top six teams from each manufacturer still gain entry to the race based on the 2008 season-ending owner point standings, but each car make will receive one "wild card" entry that will go first to a non-eligible past Sprint Cup champion in each manufacturer and then to the 7th-highest finishing team in the car owner points.

As a result, Tony Stewart will now gain entry to the Shootout thanks to his use of the No. 70 Chevrolet's owner points and the fact that Stewart attempted to qualify for all of the 2008 races.

Robby Gordon, switching to Toyotas in 2009, will participate thanks to his Dodge owner point standings from a year ago in a one-off effort in a Dodge he apparently had still laying around the shop. And yes, NASCAR is completely fine with that.

According to David Poole's work over at ThatsRacin', Toyota's extra entry should be Dave Blaney's old No. 22 car but because that car isn't expected to race in 2009, rookie Scott Speed's No. 84 will be the likely entry despite Speed having competed in just a handful of 2008 events.

On the Ford end, Bobby Labonte now becomes eligible because of his new gig with Hall of Fame/Yates Racing that affords him the use of David Gilliland's No. 38 car owner points. Martin Truex Jr., in a Chevrolet but 8th in Chevy's owner points, won't be eligible despite finishing 16th in the previous season's standings -- compared to Speed's 35th-place standing (the No. 84 car) in 2008.

Simply, the new wrinkle in the Shootout fold hasn't improved the format at all other than sufficing Stewart and Labonte fans irked at the fact their driver couldn't qualify. I have a strong, strong feeling that this format would have remained at the original 24 cars had Stewart previously qualified for the Shootout.

This attempt at fixing an incredibly broke system will still allow problems in the future and making it incredibly confusing for the fans to understand won't help it gain interest. Poole advocates for a fan vote-in technique, but I'd still like to see it be performance-related.

Lap leaders, final point standings or something -- this method is just not fan-friendly.

NASCAR Continues Bud Shootout Mess originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 17 Jan 2009 20:18:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stewart Slings Mud for Eldora Prelude Win

Geoffrey Miller — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:25:00 EST

Filed under: Tony Stewart, Robby Gordon, Clint Bowyer

Preparing the track, praying against the rain, and organizing an event expected to host over 20,000 spectators were all on the plate for Tony Stewart on Wednesday at his Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio.

And oh yeah, he was racing, too.

The responsibilities must not have weighed on Stewart too hard as he took home his second win the Old Spice Prelude to the Dream on a muddy night in west-central Ohio. The high-banked dirt track charity all-star race again featured some of NASCAR's biggest names and is rapidly gaining traction as one of the best events to get a ticket to in all of racing.

Robby Gordon -- in his first Prelude -- took second while Clint Bowyer finished third.

Rain had soaked the region for the past two days as the track itself received upwards of 3" since Tuesday morning. Somehow, though, Stewart's track team kept working and the sun came out enough to get the dirt into race form.

According to the Dayton Daily News, the track was so wet that HBO set a 1pm decision deadline Wednesday on whether or not the show would go on. At 12:55pm, the answer was no, but Stewart opted to try his luck, and it worked out.

I wasn't able to make it to what would have been my third Prelude at Eldora this year, but I'll definitely be back next year. As I talked about here on the 'House last year, I simply have never, ever had more fun at a race track.

There truly is nothing better than a no-holds-barred dirt track event for the best drivers in the NASCAR business.

Stewart Slings Mud for Eldora Prelude Win originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sponsor Goes to Bat for Robby Gordon

Geoffrey Miller — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 11:33:00 EST

Filed under: Robby Gordon, Dodge, Sprint Cup

With qualifying and all on-track activities canceled at Auto Club Speedway on Friday, Robby Gordon got plenty of face time with the NASCAR media concerning his penalty stemming from Daytona.

In review, Gordon switched from Ford to Dodge a week before practice began, built the cars, went to Daytona, failed inspection because of parts that were sent to him from Dodge in error, and was fined $100,000, docked 100 owner and driver points, and his crew chief was suspended for six weeks.

Gordon, naturally is appealing.

One of his sponsors, Jim Beam, is taking a swing at the situation by trying to start a petition for Robby in his effort.

Representatives from Jim Beam, which sponsors Gordon's No. 7 car, will canvas the Auto Club Speedway grandstands on Saturday gathering signatures for a petition demanding NASCAR reverse its "unfair" decision to dock Gordon 100 points. Crew chief Frank Kerr also was fined $100,000, suspended for the next six Sprint Cup Series events until April 9 and placed on probation until Dec. 31.

Along with the petition, "Rally for Robby" T-shirts are being made for Gordon fans to wear during this weekend's Cup events, said Sofia Lombardo, spokesperson for Jim Beam.

Also, Thomas Flocco, president and CEO of Beam Global Spirits & Wine Inc., has sent a letter addressed to NASCAR president Mike Helton, as well as other top officials, voicing the company's frustrations.

It's good to see that Robby has some support in this issue, because you do feel bad for the guy. It wouldn't be right for Gordon to lose sponsorship or race opportunities because of a part sent to him in error.

That though, is my opinion, and not NASCAR's. His car was out of spec for a NASCAR race car, and he was penalized, says the sanctioning body.

I see both sides, but come on, it truly was an honest mistake. What say you?

Sponsor Goes to Bat for Robby Gordon originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 23 Feb 2008 11:33:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Robby Gordon Appeals NASCAR Penalty

Geoffrey Miller — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 23:40:00 EST

Filed under: Robby Gordon, Dodge, Sprint Cup

NASCAR dropped the hammer Wednesday on Sprint Cup, Nationwide, and Craftsman Truck Series teams who came down on the wrong side of the rule book during Daytona Speedweeks.

In all, crew chief suspensions totaled 40 weeks and over $220,000 was earmarked for the NASCAR Foundation by way of monetary penalties.

Hit the hardest of those was Robby Gordon, who's team made the mistake of installing the wrong noses on its Dodges prior to coming to Daytona.

Gordon's self-owned team switched to Dodge just one week before, and when his team was the sent the Dodge noses from the manufacturer, they were incorrect. Instead of having the current nose pieces, Gordon's team was sent a prototype that has yet to be approved for competition in NASCAR.

NASCAR officials caught it during inspection, and Gordon's team changed out the nose prior to qualifying practice, and also had to change out the noses on the rest of its fleet at the shop.

Robby was penalized 100 owner and driver points, $100,000, and his crew chief was suspended for six weeks.

A little bit harsh?

Robby certainly thought so, and plans to appeal:

This penalty is way out of proportion when you compare it what happened last year when a team was penalized 100 points for adding a substance to the fuel, or when a team deliberately changed the bodies of the COT. To penalize my team the same amount when we didn't even make the mistake, and the mistake was nothing more than inadvertent human error by someone else is just not fair. Other teams who have had similar issues to what happened with the nose on my car were only penalized 25 points.

I hope that NASCAR can reconsider when they have all the facts. In the meantime, we have no choice but to appeal this penalty.

That statement was located on Robby's website.

Most of the time, it's my belief that a lot of the problems that Robby has had during his racing career have been brought on by himself, but in this instance, you can't even blame his team.

One would think that the manufacturer would send the correct noses, and a team that has never installed them before wouldn't ever know the difference. Gordon never competed with the nose, and switched it out soon after the mistake was found.

I do hope Robby wins this appeal because it really doesn't seem fair to that team -- especially looking at Michael Waltrip's and Hendrick Motorsports violations that netted the same penalty a year ago.

However, NASCAR does run into an interesting problem when dealing with intent. Needless to say, its a gray area.

Robby Gordon Appeals NASCAR Penalty originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 23:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Casey Mears' No. 5 Too Low After Shootout

Geoffrey Miller — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 09:26:00 EST

Filed under: Casey Mears, Tony Stewart, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Robby Gordon, Kurt Busch, Daytona Int'l Speedway, Sprint Cup

Check out all of the NASCAR Fanhouse Daytona Speedweeks Coverage.

Casey Mears can now add his name to the list as a candidate for penalties either this week or next from NASCAR due to rules infractions.

The Hendrick Motorsports driver competing in his first race Saturday night as driver of the No. 5 Kelloggs Chevrolet formerly piloted by Kyle Busch finished a strong sixth in the Budweiser Shootout. After his car went through inspection though, the mood changed a little bit for the team.

NASCAR found the No. 5 Chevy to be one-eighth of an inch too low in the rear, adding him to the tentative penalty box now filled by Mears, Kurt Busch & Tony Stewart (bumping and punching during Friday night's Shootout practice), and Robby Gordon (came to Daytona with the wrong Dodge nose on the car).

Mears' new teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the event.

Crew chief Alan Gustafson seemed quite perplexed by the finding.

"I don't think our adjustments were unreasonable, so I'm real surprised," Gustafson said. "It's the first time we ran the car here. We're trying to learn it and figure out what's going to happen. ... We'll collect all the pieces together and figure out what went on."

I don't know that you can really fault Mears' team here, nor would it be appropriate to lump this lapse in with last year's Hendrick penalties and the laundry list of bad deeds committed by Jimmie Johnson's crew chief Chad Knaus.

Could one-eighth of an inch make a difference? Possibly. Should it really matter to a driver who finished sixth in a non-points race? I don't think so.

I think and hope that NASCAR will offer some leniency to the No. 5 gang and use it as a chance to understand why a car may have passed pre-race inspection but not post-race. Though the car may be on a full-time schedule in 2008, there is still a steep learning curve involved for every team.

If NASCAR wants to penalize the team for this, it really should be monetary and not a points deduction because the intent -- if any -- wasn't to earn more championship points. In reality, NASCAR should tear apart the car, look at every nut and bolt, and give all of the teams a solid reason for why the infraction happened.

That way, instead of having headlines the day after a race detailing drivers who were penalized, those headlines would be about the race itself.

I could handle that, especially with the highly-entertaining racing we were treated to Saturday night.

Casey Mears' No. 5 Too Low After Shootout originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 10 Feb 2008 09:26:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Terrorism Cancels Dakar Rally in Africa

Geoffrey Miller — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 14:12:00 EST

Filed under: Robby Gordon, NASCAR Media Watch, Rally Car, Other Racing Series, Sprint Cup

One of the world's most grueling race events faced a challenge too steep to beat.

The Dakar Rally, held annually in Africa, was canceled just a day before it was set to begin due to fears stemming from recent terrorist attacks and threats in the west African country of Mauritania. Details of recent events include:

France, where the race organizers are based, had urged the rally to avoid Mauritania after the four family members were killed in an attack blamed on a terror cell that uses the Mauritanian desert as a hideout.

Officials say the cell is linked to the Algeria-based al-Qaida in Islamic North Africa, which has claimed responsibility for a series of deadly attacks, including the Dec. 11 twin suicide bombings at U.N. offices and a government building in Algiers, which killed at least 37 people.

Normally, terrorism and politics don't find their way to the pages of the Fanhouse, but without a doubt, the cancellation of Dakar is a big, big deal for international racing and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Robby Gordon.

Apparently, the foreign minister of Mauritania is none too pleased with the decision -- the event brings a ton of coverage and money to the country -- and thinks organizers got cold feet too easily.

But safety is safety, and the last thing that the race needs is a driver, crew member, fan, or any other participant killed because of the "race must go on" feeling.

Gordon was scheduled to compete in the 5,267-mile 15-day race as a part of his Team Dakar USA off-road team. Instead, Gordon will likely now be available for testing at Daytona Int'l Speedway with his Sprint Cup No. 7 team instead of having to have driver Brendon Gaughn in his place.

I can't imagine the logistical nightmare that this has caused for the competitors. According to Gordon's website, only the race vehicles from Team Dakar USA can be airlifted to the race but support vehicles have to be first shipped to Savannah, GA before being loading on a vessel for a trek across the Atlantic.

That's not a cheap or quick endeavor, and you can imagine that Gordon is little upset that he has worked hard to get trucks, sponsorship, and a teammate into the race and have it all taken away on the eve of the event. No American team has ever won the event, though last year Gordon won a stage and finished 8th overall.

Terrorism Cancels Dakar Rally in Africa originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 14:12:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tuesday Is Penalty Day, Gordon Put on Short Leash

tallglassofmilk — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 23:54:00 EST

Filed under: Robby Gordon, NASCAR Videos, Nextel Cup, Busch Series

NASCAR announced today that if If Robby Gordon messes up again, he's outta here.

On top of a $35,000 fine and probation, Gordon was threatened with indefinite suspension from NASCAR if, for the remainder of 2007, "there is another action by Gordon that is deemed by NASCAR officials as detrimental to stock car racing or to NASCAR, or is disruptive to the orderly conduct of an event, he will be suspended indefinitely from NASCAR."

I think they forgot "tampering with the outcome of a race," but I suppose that falls under detrimental actions like just about everything else under the sun.

All things considered, Gordon seems to have matured. In 2005, when Michael Waltrip wrecked him under caution, Gordon went after him with his helmet. This week, after Marcos Ambrose got him under caution, Gordon offered him his first Nextel Cup ride this weekend at The Glen.

The infamous "helmet incident"

Turn Up the Volume
Charles "Cully" Barraclough, crew chief of the #90 Ford driven by Stephen Leicht, was fined $10,000 for violating Sections 12-4-A, 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules), 20A-12.3C (3): divider pistons in both front shock absorbers were not installed to the manufacturer's specifications and 12A-12.3I: oil volume did not meet the minimum one-inch specification. Robert Yates, owner of the No. 90 Ford, was penalized with the loss of 25 NASCAR Busch Series championship owner points, while Leicht was penalized with the loss of 25 NASCAR Busch Series championship driver points.

Unauthorized Parts
Paul Wolfe, crew chief of the #22 Dodge driven by Patrick Carpentier, was fined $5,000 after violating Sections 12-4-A, 12-4-Q and 20A-12.1A(2): front spring inside and outside coil diameter exceeded the 1/8-inch limit. Armando Fitz, owner of the No. 22 Dodge, lost 25 NASCAR Busch Series championship owner points, while Carpentier was docked 25 NASCAR Busch Series championship driver points.

Chris Wright, crew chief for the #35 Ford driven by Bobby Hamilton Jr., was fined $2,000 for violating 12-4-A, 12-4-Q and 20A-12.1A(8): unapproved jacking bolts; two hollow bolts. The infraction was discovered during opening-day inspection on Aug. 4.

Jeff Spraker, crew chief of the No. 63 Chevrolet of Mike MacKenzie, was fined $2,000 after being found in violation of 12-4-A, 9-4-A: the crew chief assumes responsibility for the actions of his team members, 9-15-G: permitting individuals, without a proper NASCAR license, into the car servicing area and 20A-17B & 17.1A: entering the car service area without the proper safety equipment. These infractions took place during the event.

Tuesday Is Penalty Day, Gordon Put on Short Leash originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 23:54:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rubbin' Is Racin', Eh?: Gordon v. NASCAR

tallglassofmilk — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 00:42:00 EST

Filed under: Robby Gordon, NASCAR Media Watch, NASCAR Videos, Nextel Cup, Busch Series

It's a little too late for do-overs at the NAPA Auto Parts 200 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, but what if ...?

What if Marcos Ambrose hadn't spun Robby Gordon out under caution? What if NASCAR wouldn't have told Gordon to lineup at the head of the field, then said 2nd, then said, nah, go back further.

What if ESPN had actually captured the entire incident on camera so there was no disputing his position when the caution was thrown?

What if NASCAR had red-flagged the race and watched that footage to determine the right course of action? What if they did?

What if ESPN hadn't shown the viewers just enough to see that the caution flag was displayed when Ambrose plowed into Gordon, spinning him out, presumably to the 13th position. What if Gordon had maintained pace? What if NASCAR had disciplined Ambrose for agressive driving under caution? What if NASCAR had penalized both drivers for not observing the caution?

What if NASCAR was consistent when applying rules to all drivers who are spun out during a caution? or any rule for that matter?

What if Gordon didn't have a "bad boy" reputation? What if he were a potential Chase contenter?

What if Gordon had respected NASCAR's authority and followed their directive even though they got it wrong?

What if NASCAR hadn't taken emergency action against Gordon, inviting other drivers to exercise a blatantl disregard their authority?

What if, upon further investigation, NASCAR determined they made a bad call? What if they admitted it?

What if it was the right call?

Previously on Fanhouse
Gordon Expresses Regret, Blames NASCAR for His Actions
NASCAR Reminds Gordon Who's Boss
Tuesday Could Come Early for Gordon, Penalty Could Set New Precedent
Robby Gordon Might Have Suspended Himself; Harvick Wins

Rubbin' Is Racin', Eh?: Gordon v. NASCAR originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 00:42:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gordon Expresses Regret, Blames NASCAR for His Actions

tallglassofmilk — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 14:12:00 EST

Filed under: Robby Gordon, Nextel Cup, Busch Series

Robby Gordon has released an official statement on the Busch Series incident that got him parked for a Nextel Cup event:

I want to start by expressing my regrets to the sponsors, fans, and all competitors for any part I played in the miscommunication, confusion and uncertainty surrounding the finish in this weekend's Busch race in Montreal. Immediately following the last caution when I was spun out by the 59 car, at first I was told that I was scored in first place and I should be in that position. Later, I was told that I was in second place and I assumed that position, which was fine. Moments before the green flag dropped, I was told that I was scored in 13th position.

Obviously I objected, and I stated that I would complete the race under protest. I believed that my protest would be a foregone conclusion if I moved to position 13. I was confident that most people who watched the race or see the replay would agree that I should have been scored in first or second. I also wanted to make sure that the race played out the way it should if the officials ultimately agreed with me after seeing the tape and granted my protest. Therefore, I decided to preserve the status quo by holding the second position and racing from that position to the end of the race. My belief was that it would be no harm no foul if my protest was denied because I would then be disqualified in the race regardless. On the other hand, if I moved to position 13 and my protest was granted, then the race results would be affected. In order to preserve the integrity of my protest, I decided to stay in second position.

It was not my purpose to disrespect the authority of NASCAR or the officials. I do respect their authority to run the race and make the calls, and I understand the significance of the black flag. I strongly disagree with the calls that affected me at the end of the race. Being spun under the yellow and not being allowed to resume my position prior to the spin put me in a position to react as I did. Nonetheless, I accept NASCAR's decision and I intend to move forward under the rules.

Heh. He intends to move forward under the rules. I'll bet he does. Either that or he'll be moving forward somewhere besides NASCAR.

I understand he was frustrated. I really do. I'm sure it's difficult to determine where he was at the exact moment the caution was put out. But NASCAR reviewed it and made their decision. It's unfortunate for Gordon, but we just can't have rogue drivers taking it upon themselves to make sure the race plays out the way they think it should.

This "NASCAR made me do it" crap isn't gonna fly.

More opinion:

Bench Racing: Harvick-oui, Robby agi comme un idiot
Full Throttle: Robby Gordon turns Cunucklehead!

Previously on Fanhouse
NASCAR Reminds Gordon Who's Boss
Tuesday Could Come Early for Gordon, Penalty Could Set New Precedent
Robby Gordon Might Have Suspended Himself; Harvick Wins

Gordon Expresses Regret, Blames NASCAR for His Actions originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 05 Aug 2007 14:12:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NASCAR Reminds Gordon Who's Boss

tallglassofmilk — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 12:18:00 EST

Filed under: Robby Gordon, Nextel Cup

Robby Gordon might have plans to appeal his 18th place finish in the Busch race yesterday, but he won't be allowed to appeal the punishment that followed him to the Nextel Cup Series today.

For his detrimental actions, NASCAR has has taken "emergency action" against Gordon:

As a result of his actions on the race track at Saturday's NASCAR Busch Series race at Montreal, NASCAR has parked driver Robby Gordon for today's Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway. Referencing Section 12-2 of the 2007 NASCAR rule book ... "if the act or omission of a member is determined by a NASCAR official to constitute a threat to the orderly conduct of the event, NASCAR may take emergency action against that member ..."

That action includes parking a driver for an event. Parking is final, non-appealable and non-reviewable. Towards the end of Saturday's race at Montreal, Robby Gordon demonstrated blatant disrespect and disregard for NASCAR directives - on multiple occasions. His actions were certainly disruptive to the orderly conduct of the event. NASCAR will continue to review this situation and address any further actions at the beginning of this week.

In other words, Gordon, who was not allowed in the Cup garage this morning, can expect additional penalties.

P.J. Jones will be the #7 car for Robby Gordon Motorsports today but since Gordon qualified the car, he will start the race at the end of the line.

Previously on Fanhouse
Tuesday Could Come Early for Gordon, Penalty Could Set New Precedent
Robby Gordon Might Have Suspended Himself; Harvick Wins

NASCAR Reminds Gordon Who's Boss originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 05 Aug 2007 12:18:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tuesday Could Come Early for Gordon, Penalty Could Set New Precedent

tallglassofmilk — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 05:35:00 EST

Filed under: Robby Gordon, Nextel Cup, Busch Series

On paper, Robby Gordon finished 18th at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. In his mind, he won the Napa Auto Parts 200.

Even if he had won, NASCAR would have stripped him of it ala Sears Point in 1991, when Ricky Rudd spun Davey Allison out and went on to win.

But Gordon didn't win, despite his giant lead on the track, because he didn't line up in the correct position for the last restart and was black flagged as soon as green flag racing resumed. Then, after he ignored all of NASCAR's orders, he went completely bonkers and pretended to win the race anyway.

So ... another driver let his emotions get the best of him and he'll be punished accordingly by NASCAR.

But is parking him for a Nextel Cup race for his offenses in the Busch Series justifiable? Since when do rule violations in one series affect the driver's eligibility to compete in another? With the obvious exception of substance abuse, NASCAR doesn't typically spread their punishment across different series. I don't know of any instance when a Nextel Cup driver has been penalized for rule infraction in the Busch Series.

But Gordon chartered new territory in the rulebook on Saturday when he blatantly ignored NASCAR's mandates and mocked NASCAR's authority in a foreign land. This gives new meaning to "actions detrimental to stock car racing."

At first I thought it was messed up that NASCAR was considering screw with Gordon's Cup points, I thought they should just park him for a Busch race. But I've reconsidered. There's way too much at stake in the Nextel Cup field. Who needs a clown out there who will give NASCAR the big F-You and start making up his own rules at any given moment during the race destroying everything in his path? His actions could be detrimental to the championship campaigns of his fellow drivers!

Tuesday Could Come Early for Gordon, Penalty Could Set New Precedent originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 05 Aug 2007 05:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Robby Gordon Might Have Suspended Himself; Harvick Wins

Geoffrey Miller — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 01:17:00 EST

Filed under: Robby Gordon, Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Crashes, NASCAR Fights, Nextel Cup, Busch Series

68,000 folks showed up for the Busch Series race Saturday north of the border in Canada, and boy, did they get a show.

Hometown favorite Patrick Carpentier started on the pole and Daytona 500 champ Kevin Harvick won the event.

That, however, doesn't even begin to tell half the story that ended with three cars doing donuts after the race and two drivers feeling that they had won.

That other driver? Robby Gordon.

He decided to act a fool and could be suspended for Sunday's Cup race at Pocono for his actions, according to several rumors.

Officially, Gordon will be scored as 18th in the race despite crossing the finish line ahead of the field. NASCAR black flagged Gordon after he tried to resume 2nd-position following a tap by Marcos Ambrose with four to go. Cars had spun just moments before on track, bringing out the yellow. NASCAR ruled that Gordon didn't maintain speed, and placed him in 13th -- a directive he didn't follow.

On the restart, Gordon was first displayed the black flag, and he subsequently ruined Ambrose's day by spinning him, leading NASCAR to park Gordon's No. 55. Again, directive not followed, Gordon drove away as Harvick and Carpentier battled to the delight of the crowd.

Following the race and his unofficial donuts, Gordon met immediately with NASCAR's top brass at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Prez Mike Helton and VP of Competition Robin Pemberton left Gordon with a copy of the rule book, but Gordon didn't have a changed mindset when talking to reporters.

"I play by their rules - EIRI," said Gordon, referring to the "except in rare instances" portion of the rule book. "I guess this is one of their EIRI situations." Gordon said the final bump of Ambrose wasn't intentional. "On the last lap, he completely missed the apex of the Turn 1 and I got into him in Turn 2," Gordon said. "I had my apex and I had more speed."

At the very least, NASCAR did confirm that they are discussing Gordon's candidacy for Sunday's Nextel Cup race at Pocono. P.J. Jones practiced the No. 7 at Pocono today and would be the best available suitor in case of Gordon's determined absence.

Things aren't likely going to turn out pretty for Gordon on this one. It's one thing to not follow NASCAR directives in U.S., but when the sport is putting on an international show for the sake of growth, they aren't going to look to highly on drivers who make a mockery of their discretion.

For fans though? Man, you gotta love it. Excitement just brewed from all aspects of the finish.

That's the case, as long as you're not a Marcos Ambrose fan.

Robby Gordon Might Have Suspended Himself; Harvick Wins originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 05 Aug 2007 01:17:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Drivers to Bowyer: Your Girlfriend Is Hot

tallglassofmilk — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 14:45:00 EST

Filed under: Jimmie Johnson, Ryan Newman, Robby Gordon, Kurt Busch, Clint Bowyer, Nextel Cup

Sports Illustrated polled NASCAR drivers and the results showed that 29% of them think Clint Bowyer's girlfriend is hotter than their own significant other.

Not surprising. Athena Barber, part-time model and former Bassani Babe, is as full of southern charm as she is natural beauty. She never fails to turn heads at the track with her casually sexy style. No doubt even some of the female NASCAR following would admit to having a girl crush on her. More pics and video.

Kurt Busch, Ryan Newman and Robby Gordon also received votes for their women, making it an eclectic group: Eva Busch, the buxom blonde; Krissie Newman, the girl next door; and former Miss Winston Renee White, the ex-Mrs. Derrike Cope.

I am surprised that Jimmie Johnson and Matt Kenseth didn't get any mentions. Chandra Johnson is at times positively stunning ... and drivers openly admit to drooling over Katie Kenseth.

Ironically, Jeff Gordon's "supermodel" wife, Ingrid Vandebosch, doesn't do much for the rest of the field.

Drivers to Junior: Hands off our Daughters
65% of NASCAR drivers polled said they wouldn't let their daughter date Dale Earnhardt Jr.

TGOM to Drivers, Owners, Crew Chiefs, et. al.: Be on guard. NASCAR's most eligible bachelor is in the market to replace his latest female companion, who recently passed her expiration date.

Drivers to Bowyer: Your Girlfriend Is Hot originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 30 Jun 2007 14:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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McMurray on Pole and Other Lineup Oddities

tallglassofmilk — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 12:54:00 EST

Filed under: Jimmie Johnson, Brian Vickers, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Robby Gordon, Terry Labonte, Michael Waltrip, Jeff Gordon, Jamie McMurray, Toyota, NASCAR Awards, Nextel Cup

Jamie McMurray starts on the pole today. That's only happened twice before in his five-year Nextel Cup career, the last time at the 2005 Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway on July 24, 2005. He finished 11th. His first Bud Pole Award came at Homestead in 2004 where he finished 9th.

Robby Gordon will start 2nd in the Toyota/SaveMart 350. Last time he started that high in the field was here in 2003. He won. He owes TGOM a thank you. Because he was excluded from the power rankings, he has a shot at repeating.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. starts 3rd. Previously, his best start at Infineon Raceway came in 2005, which didn't work out too well for him. He started 10th, finished 42nd.

Speaking of 42nd, that's where defending series champion Jimmie Johnson will start, making this only the third time in 199 starts that he has started this deep in the field.

His teammate, series points leader Jeff Gordon, who has started on the pole here five times, will start 41st. That'll be a new view for him. His previous worst starting position was 31st.

Why is the Hall of Fame Ringing?
Ron Fellows, in the #96 for Tony Raines, will start 11th. I have a question ... how is Tony Raines ever going to learn to road race if they keep pulling him out of the car? They didn't let him run it last year either. And it's not like they needed help qualifying. Raines currently sits in the 27th position in owner and driver points. Now he sits on the side for a week. And for what?

Really? All Those Toyotas?
Indeed. Despite Brian Vickers and A.J. Allmendinger not qualifying their Red Bull cars, the manufacturer has a record number of cars in this week's race: 6.

Marc Goossens will start 21st in the Riley D'Hondt #91 Toyota. Who? Oh yeah, he's the guy who tried last time at Watkins Glen International but crashed out.

Terry Labonte, in Michael Waltrip's #55, will start 25th. Good to have him back on the track and he didn't need the championship provisional. P.J. Jones will bring up the rear of the field in David Reutimann's #00.

Butch Leitzinger, in Jeremy Mayfield's #36 will start 30th. Who? No idea. He ran three Cup races at The Glen over a decade ago, but this will be his first at Infineon.

Dale Jarrett starts 16th, a season best. Dave Blaney 19th.

Loser of the Week
The #15 Menards Cheverolet. Where was Paul Menard's ringer?

Not Odd
Boris Said will pull off 4th.

McMurray on Pole and Other Lineup Oddities originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 24 Jun 2007 12:54:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Silly Sponsors: Menards, NAPA to Jump Ship

tallglassofmilk — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Robby Gordon, Michael Waltrip, Penske Racing, Nextel Cup, NASCAR Sponsors, Michael Waltrip Racing, NASCAR Silly Season

We knew the honeymoon was over. Now it appears that the divorce of Menards and Dale Earnhardt Inc. is imminent.

The Winston-Salem Journal is reporting that John Menard has found himself a new wife in Penske Racing:

John Menard, the wealthy home-improvements businessman, has been debating a change in his NASCAR game plan for next season, and he is reported to be considering moving his sponsorship from Dale Earnhardt Inc. to Roger Penske's Dodge team, with Penske expanding to a three-car operation. Menard, according to sources, has chopped his list to two owners, and it appears that Robby Gordon is no longer in the running. Menard, who is supporting son Paul on the Cup tour at DEI, has been reported interested in purchasing DEI from Teresa Earnhardt.

So, is DEI going to lose Paul Menard, too? Does anyone care? Um ... probably not.

More importantly, since when is Menard's longtime partner Robby Gordon no longer in the running for his sponsorship? Oh ... right ... since he doesn't need Menards 'cause he's gonna steal NAPA from Michael Waltrip. For real? I dunno, but a source tells me there have been talks!

Silly Sponsors: Menards, NAPA to Jump Ship originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 23 Jun 2007 13:57:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IRL Days of Thunder at Texas Motor Speedway

tallglassofmilk — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 03:10:00 EST

Filed under: Robby Gordon, Michael Waltrip, Penske Racing, Chip Ganassi Racing

Unlike Saturday's NASCAR Busch Series race, the IRL race at Texas Motor Speedway was nothing to snooze at.

The Bombardier Learjet 550 was complete with on track drama, "the big one," the first win of the season for the reigning champion and a career-high finish for the series' star female driver.

I'll admit I tuned in to see the follow up on the Danica Patrick and Dan Wheldon incident that occurred last week in Milwaukee which had the feisty female wanting to duke it out with her competitor following an on-track incident. Boringly, that story seems to have ended with Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage adding another piece of memorabilia to his office: boxing gloves signed by both drivers.

Things ended up getting exciting anyway, though, on lap 87 when Marco Andretti chopped Tomas Scheckter and sent him sailing across the infield. A very angry Scheckter stormed the track and threw his gloves at Andretti (video link when I find it). And here I thought that kind of stuff only happened in NASCAR.

On lap 197, Scheckter's Vision Racing teammate Anthony Foyt IV lost a tire and caused a multi-car pileup, which took out Wheldon and his Target Chip Ganassi teammate Scott Dixon, who had previously battled for the lead, as well as Helio Castroneves, Darren Manning, Ed Carpenter and Sarah Fisher.

Watch Tony Kanaan glide through the slowing cars and flying parts unscathed:

"I'm not going to brag about it," Kanaan said. "I have no idea how I made it through. It was like 'Days of Thunder.' I kind of closed my eyes and went full throttle and made it through. Sometimes you've got to be lucky."

At the end of the day, Sam Hornish Jr. brought home the win for Penske and Andretti Green Racing finished 2-3-4 with Kanaan, Patrick (career high) and 2007 Indy 500 winder Dario Franchitti.

I was already planning to watch IRL's debut in my home state at Iowa Speedway later this month. Now I'm thinking I might have to consider a trip home to attend the Iowa Corn Indy 250 in person.

IRL Days of Thunder at Texas Motor Speedway originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 10 Jun 2007 03:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Decade's Worst NASCAR Paint Schemes

tallglassofmilk — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 04:30:00 EST

Filed under: Ryan Newman, Dale Jarrett, Robby Gordon, Jeff Gordon, Greg Biffle, Bobby Labonte, Nextel Cup, NASCAR Sponsors, Talladega Superspeedway, Busch Series

FanHouse's friends at AOL Sports are compiling a list of the worst uniforms ever. Because they're our friends and the subject matter lends itself to hilarity, we thought we'd join in the fun. We don't get too see too much of the drivers' uniforms in NASCAR, so we set our designs on their cars. Here's our look at the worst paint schemes in recent history.

Dale Earnhardt #3 GM Goodwrench Service Chevrolet Peter Max paint scheme
The Winston @ Lowe's Motor Speedway on May 20, 2000

I don't consider myself to be a connoisseur of fine art, but I'm down with the work of cosmic art innovator Peter Max--even have a signed print of my own that hangs behind me as I write this. But Max's rainbow hippie designs proved to be a little too psychedelic for a stock car

2007 again drove home the point that rainbow pastels should not come in contact with a race car:

David Reutimann's #99 Aaron's Dream Machine
Aaron's 312 @ Talladega Superspeedway on April 28, 2007

Then there are the not-so-pretty colors:

Jeff Gordon's #24 DuPont / Nicorette Chevrolet
UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400 @ Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 12, 2006

Green flames? Yeah ... ok. Looks more like seaweed--the fake kind you put in aquariums. Either way, it's not screaming "Quit smoking right now." This one is no better. Ryan Newman's #12 Alltel MyCircle Dodge and Jeff Burton's #31 Prilosec OTC schemes are worthy rivals.

2005 saw Bobby Labonte get several coats of bad paint, Greg Biffle get greedy and Robby Gordon reveal his fruity side. Also, Jesus got the shaft. And who's bright idea was this?

In 2004, Dale Jarrett went on an aesthetically challenged golf outing with Arnold Palmer.

Ken Schrader's #49 1-800-CALL-ATT Dodge Carrot Top Paint Scheme
Several spring races in 2003

Almost as frightening as the real thing.

Derrike Cope's #37 MNR / Poison Ford
Pennsylvania 500 @ Pocono Raceway on July 28, 2002

Unfortunately, that picture doesn't really do it justice. Here's another. Also, check the sim paint to fully appreciate it's hideousness. While you're at it, go ahead and throw the rest of Cope's paint schemes onto this list.

Also on the list, every last incarnation of Jeff Gordon's rainblow #24 paint schemes and Ken Schrader's #49 Schwan's. No offense to the sponsor, but like rainbows, birds just don't belong anywhere near racecars.

That's just this decade, folks, when the creativity has really picked up. There have been countless more paint casualties along the way. Please share your picks!

The Decade's Worst NASCAR Paint Schemes originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Wed, 06 Jun 2007 04:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is The Honeymoon Over for Menard and DEI?

tallglassofmilk — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 23:50:00 EST

Filed under: Robby Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Inc., Nextel Cup, NASCAR Sponsors

Paul Menard, David Reutimann and Kenny Wallace all suffered their fifth DNQ of the season in Dover.

Of the three, it might be surprising that Menard is most in danger of losing his ride, but the driver is reportedly in danger of losing his primary sponsor, his dad John Menard Jr., founder and owner of Menards.

Chris McGrath, Getty Images

According to The Winston-Salem Journal, the wealthy businessman is ready to pull funding from Dale Earnhardt Inc., which fields a full-time Cup and part-time Busch team for his son.

Is Menard dumping Teresa Earnhardt to focus on his other longtime business partner, driver/owner Robby Gordon? I suppose only time will tell, but it certainly seems like a better investment to me, not only in terms of talent--but also potential.

Meanwhile ... this weekend, Menards will sponsor Robby Gordon Motorsport's #7 Ford with MAPEI for the fourth time in five races, while the DEI #15 Chevrolet sits in the garage.

Other Losers of the Week (DNQs)
Blaney (2), Bliss (9), LePage (11)

Is The Honeymoon Over for Menard and DEI? originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 01 Jun 2007 23:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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